Washing machines use hot and cold water supply line hookups to supply the machine with water for the wash cycle. The water supply lines connect to an inlet valve screwed to the back panel of the machine. The electronically controlled inlet valve uses solenoids to open and close the flow of hot or cold water into the machine. If the inlet valve fails, hot or cold water may not flow into the machine. In this case, the inlet valve must be replaced.

1

Unplug the cord from the electrical socket. Turn off the hot and cold water supply shutoff valves. Pull the washing machine away from the wall far enough to access the back side of the unit.

2

Wrap masking tape around the hot and cold supply hoses and mark them "hot" and "cold." Unscrew the water supply lines from the back of the washing machine.

3

Remove the screws securing the control panel's side plates, then remove the screws securing the control panel to the top of the washing machine cabinet. If your model does not have screws holding the control panel in place, insert a putty knife between the control panel and the cabinet, then pry up. Rotate the control panel up and out of the way.

4

Unplug the control panel wire connector. Pry the two spring clips out from their recesses in the top of the cabinet with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the cabinet toward you, then remove it.

5

Remove the wire connectors from the inlet valve's terminals. Take note as to which one is for hot and which is for cold water. They will be in the same order as the water supply hose connections.

6

Remove the screw securing the inlet valve to the back panel of the washing machine. Squeeze the spring clamp securing the interior water hose to the base of the inlet valve, then move the clamp down a few inches. Pull the hose off the inlet valve.

7

Install the new inlet valve, then push the interior water hose onto the base of the valve. Move the spring clip into place. Reattach the wire connectors in the correct order.

8

Reinstall the cabinet onto the washing machine's frame. The front lip of the cabinet goes underneath the front of the frame. Rock the cabinet into position and align the slots in each side of the cabinet with the metal tabs sticking up from the sides of the frame.

9

Reinstall the two spring clips to secure the cabinet to the back panel. Plug in the control panel's wire connector, then reinstall the control panel.

10

Screw the hot and cold water supply lines to their respective ports on the new inlet valve. Tighten them with adjustable pliers. Turn on the water shutoff valves, and run the washing machine with hot and cold water cycles to check the new inlet valve is functioning.

Things You Will Need

Masking tape

Marking pen

Phillips screwdriver

Flat-head screwdriver

Putty knife (optional)

Adjustable pliers

Warning

Never work on a washing machine unless you unplug it first. Otherwise, you may get electrocuted.

About the Author

Emrah Oruc is a general contractor, freelance writer and former race-car mechanic who has written professionally since 2000. He has been published in "The Family Handyman" magazine and has experience as a consultant developing and delivering end-user training. Oruc holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in economics from the University of Delaware.